“Comprehensive means ALL!”…
Despite the warm evening, many townsfolk met last week to attend the second in a series of public meetings currently being conducted to gather citizen input for Berlin’s Comprehensive Plan. This assembly was held within the Multi-purpose Building located on Flower Street on the Town’s “east side” just off Route 113. After a brief introduction, led by our energetic “borrowed” planner Tim Bourcier, the meeting moved forward into groups where citizens could speak and be heard. Early on, almost as an admonishment, came the comment, ‘Comprehensive means ALL!’ – this uttered by one of Berlin’s leading citizens, Mrs. Phyllis Purnell. From then on people spoke freely, airing their wishes and perceived needs. The unsightly and unsafe crumbling sidewalks on town approaches, needs for an outdoor park pavilion and indoor recreation, proximity to safe shopping requiring further accountability from the Berlin Police Department, drainage ditch maintenance, road conditions, the loss of “neighborhoods”, the list went on and on. Afterwards, one wise man summed it up saying, all “Public Infrastructure”! Tim spoke again – this time outlining the main objectives of “Smart Growth” including increased density, limiting growth to accommodate population along with, building within current infrastructure.
Continued discussion bespoke of further needs and remedies – based on economics – economics in many forms…jobs for area citizens including our youth, constant vigilance of economy within Town management, and a viable and prosperous downtown district. Another important aspect mentioned was the need for “energy” awareness throughout the development of this plan. Overall, it seems as if the early comment from Mrs. Purnell was most perceptive…”Comprehensive (does) means ALL!”
There will be further meetings throughout this development process – look for notices to be posted. There is also a website for more information – click on “Comprehensive Plan Town of Berlin, Maryland” or drop down to visit Chuck Ward, Berlin’s new Supervisor of Planning and Zoning in the little building behind Town Hall.
Personal note – having attended both the first and second meetings I found this meeting far more productive – informative, perhaps we are beginning to get this right!!! Appreciated too was the presence this evening of Mrs. Paula Lynch and Mr. Dean Burrell, both members of the Berlin Maryland Town Council.
